Diverse events across dioceses, including Masses for the protection of creation and climate justice marches, were reported by the Catholic Times.
The Korean Church is observing the "Season of Creation"—spanning from the "World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation" on September 1 to the "Memorial of St. Francis of Assisi" on October 4—through prayer and practical actions to preserve the order of creation. The theme for 2026 is "Living Water." The Bishops' Conference Committee for Ecology and Environment, along with ecology-related organizations in each diocese, are reflecting on the significance of protecting the created world through a variety of programs, such as commemorative Masses, ecological tours, and climate justice marches.
In solidarity with Catholic Climate Action, the Committee for Environmental Pastoral Care of the Archdiocese of Seoul will hold an ecumenical prayer meeting on September 4 and organize an ecological tour of Naeseong Stream over two days starting on the 7th.
The Department for Ecology, Environment, and Pastoral Care for Farmers and Fishermen of the Archdiocese of Daegu will celebrate the opening Mass for the Season of Creation on September 1 at 7:30 PM at Naedang Catholic Church, presided over by Coadjutor Archbishop Simon Kim Jong-kang. Protestant pastors and members of the "Big Forest Church"—a community dedicated to practicing an ecological lifestyle—have been invited to the Mass, which will take place at Naedang Catholic Church, a building designed to embody the spirit of the Second Vatican Council.
Additionally, on September 19 at 11:00 AM, an ecumenical prayer meeting will be held at the Palhyeon Wetland Ecological Park along the Geumho River in Daegu, bringing together people of various faiths to share ecological values. During the Season of Creation, a photo exhibition comparing the Nakdong River—plagued by algal blooms—with the Geum River—where the ecosystem is recovering—will be held in the lobby of the diocesan headquarters.
The closing Mass will be celebrated on October 3 at 11:00 a.m. at the diocesan headquarters' St. Mary’s Grotto. Following the Mass, a "Saturday Table" event for sharing sustainable food and seasonal produce, along with an organic market, will be held in the headquarters' plaza.
The Ecology and Environment Committee of the Diocese of Daejeon is launching a fundraising campaign to support neighbors suffering from the climate crisis. On September 19 at 2:00 p.m., a Mass for Climate Justice will be celebrated at the Catholic Cultural Center, presided over by Father Kim Dae-geon (Peter), the committee chair. This will be followed by the 4th Daejeon Climate Justice March on Euneungjeongi Street, held under the theme "Stop the Runaway Train Burning the Earth."
A "Mass for the Protection of Creation" during the Season of Creation will be celebrated on September 21 at 7:00 p.m. at Cheonan Ssangyong 3-dong Catholic Church.
The Ecology and Environment Committee of the Diocese of Suwon will host an "Environmental Festival" on September 5 at 11:00 a.m. at Pyeongtaek Seojeong-dong Catholic Church. Various booths offering environmental experiences will be operated, covering topics such as the climate crisis, resource circulation, biodiversity, and energy conservation. Afterward, at 4:00 p.m., a Mass for the Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation will be celebrated, presided over by Auxiliary Bishop Moon Hee-jong (John the Baptist). On September 2 at 10:30 AM, the Diocese of Busan will celebrate Mass for the "Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation" at Namcheon Cathedral, presided over by Vicar General Bishop Shin Ho-chul (Pio).
